Magnetic snap fastener

ABSTRACT

Installed in a container for locking opposing first part and second part of the container, a magnetic snap fastener is disclosed to include a male snap member having a stud with an engagement portion and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the engagement portion, and a female snap member having a socket with a socket hole for receiving the engagement portion of the stud of the male snap member and a magnetic attractive member fixedly mounted in one side of the socket for attracting the magnetic attractive member of the male snap member when the engagement 6  portion of the male snap member is attached to the socket hole in the female snap member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a Divisional of co-pending application Ser. No. 13/096,507, filed on Apr. 28, 2011, for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120; and this application claims priority of Application No. 099113875 filed in Taiwan, R.O.C. on Apr. 30, 2010 and Application No. 201010508945.6 filed in China, P.R.C. on Oct. 12, 2010 under 35 U.S.C. §119, the entire contents of all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to snap fastening means and more particularly, to a magnetic snap fastener, which facilitates operation and prevents accidental disconnection.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional magnetic snap fasteners are intensively used in personal items, such as cell phone bags, handbags, purses, and etc. When designing a magnetic snap fastener, the size of the magnetic members and the power of magnetic attraction are important factors. If the power of magnetic attraction is insufficient, the magnetic snap fastener may be unlocked accidentally by an external force, and the storage items may fall to the ground. Further, when too much storage items are received in the bag, the locking force of the magnetic snap fastener may be insufficient to hold the bag in the closed position. When a magnetic snap fastener having a high power of magnetic attraction is used in a bag for mobile electronic device, such as cell phone or digital camera, the magnetic lines of force generated by the magnetic snap fastener may interfere with the functioning of the magnetic sensor component of the mobile electronic device. Further, the magnetic lines of force generated by the magnetic snap fastener may demagnetize the magnetic strip of a telephone card, credit card or digital memory card. These problems give a barrier to the use of products that use a magnetic snap fastener.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is the main object of the present invention to provide a magnetic snap fastener, which facilitates operation and prevents accidental disconnection.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, a magnetic snap fastener comprises a male snap member and a female snap member respectively installed in a first part and a second part of a container and adapted for locking the first part and second part of the container, wherein: The male snap member comprises a stud and a magnetic attractive member. The stud comprises an engagement portion. The magnetic attractive member of the male snap member is fixedly mounted in one side of the engagement portion. The female snap member comprises a socket and a magnetic attractive member. The socket defines a socket hole and adapted for receiving the engagement portion of the male snap member. The magnetic attractive member of the female snap member is fixedly mounted in one side of the socket and adapted for attracting the magnetic attractive member of the male snap member when the engagement portion of the male snap member is attached to the socket hole of the female snap member.

When the male snap member and the female snap member are attached together, the two magnetic attractive members attract each other to enhance the connection tightness between the socket hole of the socket and the engagement portion of the male snap member, preventing disconnection between the male snap member and the female snap member. Thus, the magnetic snap fastener has the characteristics of simple structure, high locking power and high practical value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a handbag with a magnetic snap fastener constructed according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the handbag shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the magnetic snap fastener in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional side view of the magnetic snap fastener in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 corresponds to FIG. 5, illustrating the engagement portion of the stud of the male snap member set in the socket hole of the female snap member.

FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing illustrating a fastened status of a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 7, illustrating the male snap member disengaged from the male snap member.

FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing illustrating a fastened status of a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 9, illustrating the socket hole and fence portion of the female snap member adjusted to a downward position.

FIG. 11 is a sectional exploded view of a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an elevational exploded view of the magnetic snap fastener in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a magnetic snap fastener 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown installed in a container (for example, handbag) P. The magnetic snap fastener 1 comprises a male snap member 20 and a female snap member 30 respectively installed in a first part (cover member) P1 and a second part (body member) P2 of the container (handbag) P.

The male snap member 20 consists of a stud 21, an annular plate 22 and a magnetic attractive member 23. The stud 21 comprises an engagement portion 215, a recessed hole 213 located on one side of the engagement portion 215, a shank portion 211 located on the opposite side of the engagement portion 215, and three hooked portions 212 equiangularly arranged on the distal end of the shank portion 211 remote from the engagement portion 215. The magnetic attractive member 23 is fixedly mounted in the recessed hole 21 and kept in flush with the outside wall of the engagement portion 215 of the stud 21. The diameter of the center opening of the annular plate 22 is equal to the outer diameter of the shank portion 211. The three hooked portions 212 are inserted through the center opening of the annular plate 22 and hooked on one side of the annular plate 22 so that a retaining space is defined between the annular plate 22 and the engagement portion 215 of the stud 21 around the shank portion 211.

The female snap member 30 consists of a socket 31, an annular plate 32 and a magnetic attractive member 33. The socket 31 comprises a socket base portion 311, a fence portion 317 extended from one side of the socket base portion 311 and a socket hole 315 defined in between the socket base portion 311 and the fence portion 317. The male snap member 20 bridges the fence portion 317, i.e., a part of the shank portion 211 of the male snap member 20 is accommodated in the fence portion 317. The socket 31 further comprises a recessed hole 313 located on one side of the socket base portion 311 and facing the socket hole 315, and three hooked portions 312 equiangularly arranged on the opposite side of the socket base portion 311.

The magnetic attractive member 33 is fixedly mounted in the recessed hole 313 and kept in flush with the outside wall of the socket base portion 311 for attracting the magnetic attractive member 23 of the male snap member 20. The annular plate 32 is fastened to the three hooked portions 312 to affix the female snap member 30 to the second part P2 of the container P.

Further, the engagement portion 215 of the male snap member 20 and the socket base portion 311 of the socket 31 of the female snap member 30 are planar for direct contact.

When compared to the prior art design, the present invention is characterized in that the female snap member 30 comprises a socket hole 315; the male snap member 20 comprises an engagement portion 215 matching the socket hole 315 of the female snap member 30 to secure the male snap member 20 and the female snap member 30 firmly together, avoiding disconnection of the magnetic snap fastener 1 due to an overload or improper external force.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. According to this second embodiment, the magnetic snap fastener comprises a male snap member 20A and a female snap member 30A. The male snap member 20A and the female snap member 30A are substantially similar to the like members of the aforesaid first embodiment with the exception that the socket hole 315 of the female snap member 30 of the aforesaid first embodiment extends vertically upwards; the socket hole 315A of the female snap member 30A of this second embodiment extends in a horizontal direction relative to the container. Thus, the open side of the socket hole 315A and fence portion 317A of the female snap member 30A of this second embodiment face toward the right side. When the male snap member 20A and the female snap member 30A are fastened together, they will not be opened accidentally upon an improper upward pressure.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The male snap member 20B and female snap member 30B of the magnetic snap fastener of this third embodiment are substantially similar to the like members of the aforesaid first embodiment with the exception that the mounting positions of the male snap member 20B and the female snap member 30B on the container are reversed to that of the aforesaid first embodiment. After the male snap member 20B and the female snap member 30B are locked, the user can rotate the female snap member 30B through an angle to adjust the socket hole 315B and fence portion 317B of the female snap member 30B to a downward position to stop the male snap member 20B from being moved upwardly away from the female snap member 30B. By means of the functioning of a pivot device (not shown), the female snap member 30B can be rotated to adjust the socket hole 315B and fence portion 317B of the female snap member 30B between opposite downward position and upward position.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a magnetic snap fastener in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to this fourth embodiment, the magnetic snap fastener comprises a male snap member 20C and a female snap member 30C. The male snap member 20C comprises a stud consisting of a stud head member 21C and a base member 22C, and a magnetic attractive member 23. The stud head member 21C comprises an engagement portion 215C, a shank portion 211C extended from one side of the engagement portion 215C, a mounting portion 212C at one end of the shank portion 211C opposite to the engagement portion 215C, and a plurality of binding through holes 217C located on the mounting portion 212C. The base member 22C is fixedly covered on a part of the stud head member 21C. For example, the base member 22C is made of plastics and directly molded on the mounting portion 212C by an insert molding technique. During the molding process, the molten plastic material fills up the through holes 217C, enhancing connection tightness between the base member 22C and the mounting portion 212C. Further, the magnetic attractive member 23 is fixedly mounted in the opposite side of the engagement portion 215C in a flush manner.

The female snap member 30C comprises a socket consisting of a socket body 31C and a base member 32C, and a magnetic attractive member 33. The socket body 31C comprises a socket base portion 312C, two fence portions 317C extended from one side of the socket base portion 312C and a socket hole 315C surrounded by the socket base portion 312C and the fence portions 317C. The base member 32C comprises two insertion holes 325C for the passing of the fence portions 317C respectively, and a recessed portion 327C for receiving the socket base portion 312C. Further, the magnetic attractive member 33 is mounted in one side of the base member 32C opposite to the male snap member 20C.

This fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the aforesaid first, second and third embodiments.

Further, other modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, both the magnetic attractive member of the male snap member and the magnetic attractive member of the female snap member can be magnets (permanent magnets); alternatively, one of the magnetic attractive members of the male and snap members can be a magnet (permanent magnet) and the other can be a magnetically conductive member.

Further, a floating control member (not shown) may be used with the magnetic snap fastener. When the male snap member and the female snap member are fastened together, the floating control member is exposed to the outside of the female snap member for operation by the user to disengage the male snap member from the socket of the female snap member. The use of the floating control member enhances the application of the magnetic snap fastener.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited except as by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A magnetic snap fastener comprising a male snap member and a female snap member respectively installed in a first part and a second part of a container and adapted for locking said first part and said second part of said container, wherein: said male snap member comprises a stud and a magnetic attractive member, said stud comprising an engagement portion, the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member being fixedly mounted in one side of said engagement portion; said female snap member comprises a socket and a magnetic attractive member, said socket defining a socket hole having an open side and adapted for receiving said engagement portion of said male snap member, the magnetic attractive member of said female snap member being fixedly mounted in one side of said socket and adapted for attracting the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member when said engagement portion of said male snap member is attached to said socket hole of said female snap member; wherein said stud of said male snap member comprises a head member and a base member fixedly covered on a part of said head member; said engagement portion is located on said head member.
 2. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said socket of said female snap member comprises at least one fence portion surrounding said socket hole.
 3. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 2, wherein said socket of said female snap member comprises a socket body and a base member having at least one insertion hole; said at least one fence portion is located on said socket body and respectively inserted through the at least one through hole of the base portion of said socket of said female snap member.
 4. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 3, wherein said magnetic attractive member is mounted in one side of said base member of the female snap member opposite to said male snap member.
 5. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 3, wherein said socket body of the female snap member comprises a socket base portion, said fence portion extended from one side of said socket base portion, said base member comprises a recessed portion for receiving said socket base portion.
 6. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 2, wherein said stud of said male snap member comprises a shank portion partially receivable in said at least one fence portion of said female snap member.
 7. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein said male snap member comprises a recessed portion located on one side thereof opposite to said female snap member for accommodating the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member.
 8. A magnetic snap fastener comprising a male snap member and a female snap member respectively installed in a first part and a second part of a container and adapted for locking said first part and said second part of said container, wherein: said male snap member comprises a stud and a magnetic attractive member, said stud comprising an engagement portion, the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member being fixedly mounted in one side of said engagement portion; said female snap member comprises a socket and a magnetic attractive member, said socket defining a socket hole having an open side and adapted for receiving said engagement portion of said male snap member, the magnetic attractive member of said female snap member being fixedly mounted in one side of said socket and adapted for attracting the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member when said engagement portion of said male snap member is attached to said socket hole of said female snap member; wherein said socket of said female snap member comprises at least one fence portion surrounding said socket hole; wherein said socket of said female snap member comprises a socket body and a base member having at least one insertion hole; said at least one fence portion is located on said socket body and respectively inserted through the at least one through hole of the base portion of said socket of said female snap member.
 9. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein said magnetic attractive member is mounted in one side of said base member of the female snap member opposite to said male snap member.
 10. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein said socket body of the female snap member comprises a socket base portion, said fence portion extended from one side of said socket base portion, said base member comprises a recessed portion for receiving said socket base portion.
 11. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein said stud of said male snap member comprises a shank portion partially receivable in said at least one fence portion of said female snap member.
 12. The magnetic snap fastener as claimed in claim 8, wherein said male snap member comprises a recessed portion located on one side thereof opposite to said female snap member for accommodating the magnetic attractive member of said male snap member. 